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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Use of a weight loss index for evaluating weight management in adults
Wayne C Miller1, Hilary L Henricson, Megan M Moreland
1Department of Exercise Science, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA. wmiller@gwu.edu
Objective:
A quantitative method for evaluating weight loss using the body mass index (BMI) standard 25, during part or the entire weight loss continuum, was designed and tested.
Design:
Weight Loss Index (WLI) represents the area under the curve of the graphical representation of the weight loss attempt; x-axis=time, y-axis=BMI, BMI standard=25.0.
Setting:
Reliability of the WLI for 1-5 years of weight loss efforts in 50 overweight (BMI=39.1+/-7.6) patients was evaluated by comparing their calculated WLI to a weight loss ratio, derived using a traditional 2-point comparison. Weight Loss Index sensitivity was tested by sending weight loss scenarios to obesity experts, who were asked to rank success of each weight loss attempt within a scenario. Expert rankings were compared to WLI rankings.
Variables Measured:
Age, weight, height, BMI, WLI.
Analysis:
Dependent t-test for WLI versus pre-post BMI values. Spearman's correlation coefficients for WLI versus expert rankings. Significance, P<.05.
Results:
Weight Loss Index better described weight loss attempts for overweight adults than did traditional 2-point comparisons. Obesity experts could not distinguish differences in weight loss success among patients with fluctuating weights, but the WLI categorically ranked these individuals.
Conclusions And Implications:
Using the WLI, researchers and clinicians can compare the weight loss attempts within an individual, among individuals, and among groups of individuals against the standard BMI reference of 25.0.
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